II ORIENTAL BREEDS 19 
strated scientifically to be a perfect machine of 
power, pace, and endurance. His hind-quarters are 
full of propelling power and activity, his forehand 
is built for reaching over the ground, and the two 
ends are knit together by a wonderful back and 
loins; all the levers of the skeleton are adapted 
in such a manner as to make his construction the 
acme of mechanical power; the thighs are long, 
narrow, and closely placed; the top of the 
quarter is almost level, and the tail is elegantly 
carried; the shoulders are long and _ sloping; 
the withers high, with neck set on prettily; the 
chest is deep behind the arms, and runs right 
back under the shorter but well-sprung ribs; the 
head is very fine, having a wide square forehead, and 
a full large eye which shines with intelligence and 
mettle; the lips are thin and small, the nostrils 
wide, large, and finely chiselled; the ears are 
long, finely cut, active, and turn in at the points a 
trifle; the breathing apparatus is well fitted for 
such a creature, for he has an immense thorax, great 
lung space, a large larynx and trachea placed between 
jaws which give plenty of room for inspiration and 
expiration ; his height varies from 14.2 to 15.2. 
The Barb is an offshoot, and at present a some- 
what deteriorated and enfeebled one, of the Arabian 
family. Ina large degree he partakes of the Arab 
character, and is probably a mixed descendant of 
the Arab horses (which entered North Africa since 
the first Arab conquest under Sidi Okba) and of 
the pre-existing native Berber breeds, these in their 
turn, no doubt, having the blood of Phcenician, Punic, 
and Roman horses in their veins. Here and therea 
